Karen Williams, principal, St. Charles of New York, shares her design philosophy.
Cooking is not only something I enjoy, it also enhances my design abilities. As a serious cook, I enjoy experimenting with all types of cooking equipment and attend as many cooking and appliance seminars as possible, particularly hands-on demonstrations.
This experience allows me to better educate my clients and recommend the best equipment for their needs and space.
Since I am usually doing the cooking when I entertain, my kitchen designs are warm and open in feeling, welcoming others to join me. By placing items where they logically should be, it is easy for others (family or guests) to help the primary cook. The garbage area is near the trash area, the knifes are near the cutting surface, pots and pans are near the range. It just makes sense.
With wine refrigerators now in almost every kitchen or butler's pantry, my knowledge and enjoyment of wine is helpful in design, too. I participate in wine tastings in California and in France, and enjoy pairing wines with food.
